With extreme heat now a leading cause of weather-related deaths, New York State is stepping up its public health response by launching a new interactive Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard. Developed by the Department of Health in partnership with the National Weather Service and the NYS Mesonet, the dashboard uses a five-color scale to forecast weekly heat risks across the state. It provides localized insights for health officials and the public, helping them prepare for dangerous weather conditions. State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized that the tool goes far beyond outdated notions like “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” offering a more sophisticated understanding of how heat impacts communities. The dashboard also tracks real-time data on heat-related emergency room visits and illness reports. As climate projections warn of hotter years ahead, this digital resource represents a proactive measure to mitigate the public health consequences of extreme heat. Residents can also use the Health Department’s online directory to find cooling centers in their area, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations have access to relief.
Source: Rochester First
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